Until 1936, ‘Stress’ was a clear cut term in physics, a ratio of force to area, that was calculated in steel girders and concrete blocks; non-physicists nervous about definitions in general, and large lumps of concrete in particular, were quite happy to leave it at that.
Today, the word ‘stress’ calls to mind something mental, menacing and mandatory that results from recurrent ‘fight or flight’ situations of modern lifestyle; a vague threat that messes up our physiology, fans up pathology, and hurries up funeral arrangements.
Starting around 1936, endocrinologist Hugo Selye wrote 1,700 articles on stress, and supplemented them with 39 books, to clear up any lingering doubts raised by upstarts. He was nominated for the Nobel prize 10 times (and you and I talk of stress!). The word has become a modern metaphor of melancholy but Selye didn’t mean it that way. He wrote about two kinds of stress: There is 'EUSTRESS' that is good for us - a temporary challenge that goads one to act and achieve - like acquiring a degree, copying in a class test, cleaning up a week’s laundry, or ensuring a complimentary ticket.
If life is totally stress free, we will all die of boredom. That's why there is always more laughter in the cheaper seats, and noisier horseplay in the higher galleries. Tension is what holds many people together; Inadequate stress leads to ‘non stress disorders’ such as constipation, treble chin, 3rd degree piles and one ends up with a shape like a pregnant marsupial. And in advanced cases, it can precipitate an addiction to vernacular TV soaps.
But the other kind, ‘DISTRESS’ is ever present - children cry at night, bosses bawl, neighbours brawl, parents sicken, and bills pile up; but hours don’t expand and pay checks don’t alter. Predictably, ambitions vault, luxury goods multiply and wives lack what neighbours stack. And the recent bonus money has vanished like a fart in a storm. Hassles, deadlines, frustrations and demands abound. And ultimately stress hijacks life through heart attack, stroke, or suicide.
Management of stress is difficult as it is totally subjective, and manifestations differ. One man’s distress is another man’s mistress. A totally stress free state of ‘peace with self and harmony with surroundings’ happens only during deep coma or ultimate yogic consummation; the former unwelcome, and the latter unlikely.
Listen to this healer:
* Write down all your worries and pin point the major stressor and act. Note that most are imaginary and unlikely to happen.
* Note that your boss, spouse, in-laws National economy and law and order are not in your control. Never were. Control your reactions to them.
* Don't seek chemical vacations with alcohol, tobacco or drugs. Stress doubles and bills look double.
* Jog, gym, play or walk daily. Stop offering silly excuses. You don’t believe them yourself.
Remember all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy and Jill a rich widow.
*Ensure good sleep at night. Accumulated “Sleep cheating” changes Dr.Jekyll into Mr.Hyde during day. Stop daytime yawning. You uvula looks awful. Try sleeping at the same time, at the same place and with the same person every night.
* Enjoy some simple pleasures of life. Ruminate on a bunch of flowers. Enjoy the feel of a full stomach, an empty bladder. Recall a moment of love, or genuine prejudice. They all come cheap and restore calm.
* Pat a pet. Preferably animal and approved by police.
* Laugh at life; begin with yourself, and possibilities are endless.
* Remember that nothing is perfect in this imperfect world, and you don’t try to be! You are not even close. Develop self-compassion.
* Lastly, nobody has all the answers. Certainly not the author of this article.
